Tributes to radio stalwart on final day on air

Radio New Zealand's Morning Report stalwart Geoff Robinson
has had his last day on air filled with tributes following
more than 30 years in journalism.

Robinson joined the NZBC in Dunedin in 1970 after emigrating
from Britain in 1965 and working in banking.

He joined the Morning Report team in 1975 when the programme
was introduced and, apart from three years reading news on
the then commercial network, has been there ever since.

A special tribute show on RNZ today included audio from
Robinson's foray on Morning Report, when he filled in for a
colleague on June 6, 1975.

Robinson announced his retirement last November, telling
listeners he chose today's date for his last day as it is the
report programme's 39th birthday, "we started on the first of
April, 1975".

"Apart from a couple of years reading the commercial news,
I've been with the report programme all the way through."

Veteran radio reviewer Clark Isaacs described Robinson on the
programme today as a consistent performer who had been
"affable [and] even-handed" throughout his broadcasting
career.

Robinson's co-host Simon Mercep said RNZ had received
hundreds of emails commemorating Robinson since he announced
his retirement.

"Dear Geoff Robinson, for thousands of hours of
enlightenment, entertainment and above all, an even-handed
approach to everything, we are very grateful," an email from
listened Gordon Cooper read.

"Best wishes for your retirement Geoff, I don't know what I
shall do in the mornings now. Thank you for the best mornings
a person could have, you will certainly be sorely missed by a
multitude of listeners, all the best, " Joanne Jenkin wrote.

"Thank you Geoff for setting the highest benchmark of New
Zealand journalism, your professionalism, equanimity, and the
high regard shown to all of those you speak with or report on
is a privilege for listeners to share," another email read.

Robinson described the tributes as "very humbling" and a
tribute to receive.

His retirement was past of a larger shake-up of the national
broadcaster.

Mercep is also due to step down from the show, moving to a
revamped afternoon show and current host Jim Mora joins Mary
Wilson on evening show Checkpoint.

Auckland-based Guyon Espiner will Robinson on Morning Report
and will be joined by Wellington journalist Susie Ferguson.

In 2005 Robinson was awarded an honorary doctorate in
literature by Victoria University of Wellington.

He was also was given a special award for outstanding
contribution to radio in New Zealand at the 2007 New Zealand
Radio Awards.